Four Thai soldiers were injured when a landmine exploded in Kantharalak district, Si Sa Ket province, on Monday morning, with one losing his right foot, the Royal Thai Army confirmed.
The blast occurred around 9:30am at Huai Ta Maria, opposite Cambodia’s Preah Vihear Temple, according to the Suranaree Task Force.
Initial reports stated that two soldiers had been wounded in the explosion. They were identified as Sgt Maj 1st Class Therdsak Samaphong, who lost his right foot, and Pvt Vachira Panthana, who suffered chest pains from the impact.
Both were rushed to Sunpasitthiprasong Hospital in Ubon Ratchathani.
The army later updated the number of injured to four. The additional victims were Pvt Aphirak Srichomchai, who sustained shrapnel wounds to his right calf, and Pvt Anucha Sucharee, who suffered eye injuries from dust and debris.
Defence Minister Gen Nattaphon Narkphanit said the explosion took place between Preah Vihear Temple and Phu Makua, where Thai troops were working to push Cambodian forces out of the disputed area.
Second Army chief Lt Gen Weerayuth Raksil was investigating whether the mine had been recently planted, Gen Nattaphon said.
When asked about the return of 18 Cambodian soldiers captured in previous border clashes, the minister said the process had been suspended following Monday’s incident. He added that a formal protest letter would be delivered to Cambodia.
Sgt Maj 1st Class Therdsak is the seventh Thai soldier maimed by a landmine since border tensions reignited in July. Monday’s explosion brings the total number of Thai troops injured by landmines in the conflict zone to 18.
The most recent previous attack occurred in late August in Surin province, where another soldier lost his right foot after stepping on a landmine.
